BUCKEYE, AZ — This summer, five students from Youngker High School and Buckeye Union High School took an important step toward their futures by participating in the NAU Águila Summer Synopsis, where they explored college and career opportunities while gaining valuable skills for life after high school.

Throughout the experience, students heard from professionals representing APS, Palo Verde Generating Station, and OneAZ Credit Union. Presentations introduced them to topics including financial literacy, career pathways, Arizona’s water resources, and the many opportunities available after high school.

The opportunity was made possible with support from Mrs. Ortega, BUHSD’s Migrant Education Program liaison, who connected the students with the NAU Águila Summer Synopsis and continues to provide scholarship resources and guidance as they prepare for college.

A highlight of the program was a tour of the Northern Arizona University campus, giving students an opportunity to experience a university environment firsthand. But their work didn’t stop there. After the program, the students dedicated additional time during their summer break to reviewing their academic plans with Mrs. York and applying for scholarships in the Migrant Education Office.

Their commitment to college enrichment and scholarship preparation is helping them take meaningful steps toward their goals while setting an example for other students considering opportunities beyond high school.

Most importantly, the experience helped build confidence. Spending time on a university campus allowed these young men to see higher education as something attainable and to recognize that they belong in those spaces.

For these five students, the summer was about more than visiting a college. It was about discovering possibilities, preparing for what comes next, and gaining the confidence to pursue their goals.

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